Wagner scores commitment from Darion Jordan-Thomas

By Jonathan Reyes (@werdynerdy)

Bashir Mason and his Wagner Seahawks gained yet another verbal commitment for the 2019-20 season, this time in 6-foot-7-inch, 190-pound forward Darion Jordan-Thomas, hailing from Brockton, Massachusetts.

Before Jordan-Thomas decided on Wagner, he also had Duquesne, UMass Lowell, Robert Morris and Hartford on his list. So why did he choose to don the green and white for the forthcoming four years? He said it came down to one thing: the coaching staff.

“They’re building a great program and are real motivated in the kids’ success,” Jordan-Thomas said. “I like how they’re a family. They really like each other, there’s no negative energy.”

“The main key reason that attracted me to Wagner was the first thing they told me: They want to have a good relationship on and off the court and build you,” he added. “It’s not just about basketball; they want to teach you the right things, what to do and not to do.”

When he visited Wagner’s campus, he mentioned three players in particular on the team who he thought were cool and solidified his feeling in the familial atmosphere: Nigel Jackson, Chance Anderson and Jeff Coulanges. Being around them, along with the 13 other guys, made Jordan-Thomas reflect on how he doesn’t see himself as quiet and how he could use that to become a leader with the guidance of Mason and the coaching staff. First, Jordan-Thomas thinks his athleticism and unselfishness will help build chemistry on the court with his new teammates and allow him to fit right in. He even went so far as to say once redshirt senior AJ Sumbry graduates at season’s end, he could help replace him and offer more next fall. For the time being, Jordan-Thomas is using his senior year at Woodstock Academy to prepare for his future as a basketball player and a man.

“I’m going to college and get to do what I love the most: play basketball,” he said. “That’s really what I’m focused on is basketball and becoming a successful man. I’m not even thinking about the NBA, that’s extra. I’m just excited to say that I made it to college, not a lot of people in my family can say that. I’m happy. All of this is really amazing and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”